Explore Augusta Margaret River Region – Western Australia

More than a half million visitors a year flock to this gorgeous coastal area. Surfers, wine aficionados, cave explorers, whale watchers and eco-tourists alike are drawn like moths to a flame by the incredible opportunities offered in this region. An easy three-hour drive from Perth brings you to this breathtaking region with its Mediterranean type climate.

This surfer’s paradise stretches over 130 km of incredible coastline and produces some of the most consistent, high quality waves found anywhere. Thirty years or so ago, this area was mainly dairy farms that were struggling. Once the surfers discovered the magnificent breaks offering a range of difficulty from novice to advanced, they started coming to the area in droves.

As wine growing techniques and knowledge got more advanced, a substantial planting was done in 1967 and the wine business has grown steadily ever since. This region is the largest geographic wine area in Australia with more than 5500 ha planted in vines. The 120+ wine producers in the Margaret River Wine Region account for about 20% of Australia’s premium wines however just 3% of the country’s wine is produced here. That is quite an accomplishment for one of the newer wine regions.

For those that are staying for an extended period and are looking for a variety of things to do, whale watching in this area is spectacular. From June to September, Augusta’s Flinders Bay provides an excellent opportunity to experience the unique opportunity of watching Humpback whales and South Right whales interacting. Geographe Bay in the north of the region offers great whale watching between September and December. Blue whales, another endangered species, have been seen visiting these waters. Watching these graceful, endangered mammals is truly magical.

Exploring caves is another activity that will captivate you. More than 150 stunning caves lie under towering Karri forest. These cave develop with the rapid drainage of underground water. Many of the caves have an almost mystical quality. Mammoth Cave, Jewel Cave and Lake Cave are just three of the caves that will transport you into a magical world that exists only in each cave. In each of these caves, the name is very appropriate. The incredible size of Mammoth Cave and the presence of so many fossils will astound you. Lake Cave’s lake, amazing light and the calcite formation called Suspended Table will take your breath away. Jewel Cave has stunning formations and it is a rare jewel among tourist caves.

Margaret River has all of this and so much more. A holiday destination that is well worth a visit, you will find your days filled with wonder and awe as you enjoy all that the region offers.